No Bad Reps

Elena Pappas

Senior Editor, Hypertrophy

As the Senior Editor of Hypertrophy at No Bad Reps, Elena Pappas leads coverage on hypertrophy programming, strength and conditioning, and advanced training techniques. Her writing approach cuts through fitness fads to deliver evidence-based guides on lifting technique, progressive overload, and performance nutrition. By focusing on actionable, results-oriented advice, Elena helps serious strength athletes optimize their training volume and reach their true potential. She is dedicated to providing readers with the definitive, science-backed resources needed to build maximum muscle.

Expertise

Hypertrophy ProgrammingAdvanced Training TechniquesContest PreparationBodybuilding NutritionStrength & ConditioningLifting Technique

Coverage Areas

Hypertrophy Hub
Strength & Conditioning
Training Programs

Latest Articles

Athlete performing a heavy deadlift on one side and a high-intensity sprint on a track on the other, symbolizing hybrid fitness.
Strength & Conditioning

Hybrid fitness challenges redefine strength and conditioning

Just ten 6-second maximal sprints performed 15 minutes before a strength session can completely block the activation of mTOR, a key pathway for muscle growth, according to athletedata .

Sep 4, 2026 · 4 min read

5 Different Ways Grandstand Memorabilia Guarantees Your Signed Sports Collectibles Are Authentic
Gear & Tech

5 Different Ways Grandstand Memorabilia Guarantees Your Signed Sports Collectibles Are Authentic

For collectors, the thrill of owning a piece of sports history is unparalleled. However, the growing market for memorabilia also brings a significant risk: counterfeit items. According to industry analysis from Mark Spar…

Sponsored by Grandstand Memorabilia · Sep 2, 2026 · 5 min read

The No-Jargon Guide to Crown Green UK and Bespoke Custom Apparel
Gear & Tech

The No-Jargon Guide to Crown Green UK and Bespoke Custom Apparel

Crown Green UK is a cut and sew manufacturing business that specialises in creating custom apparel and bowls bags for sports clubs. For teams looking to move beyond off-the-shelf kits, understanding the bespoke garment p…

Sponsored by Crown Green UK · Aug 31, 2026 · 8 min read

An athlete performing a final, intense set of squats in a gym, demonstrating controlled effort rather than absolute failure.
Hypertrophy Hub

Training to Failure: Why It's Not Best for Hypertrophy

Despite decades of gym lore, training to absolute muscular failure yields no greater muscle growth or strength gains than stopping a few reps shy.

Aug 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Inside the Team Boxing League Season With 12 City Teams, Playoffs, and MegaBrawl
Athlete Spotlight

Inside the Team Boxing League Season With 12 City Teams, Playoffs, and MegaBrawl

Choosing a new sport to follow can be a significant decision for any fan. When looking for what to look for when choosing a boxing league, the structure and format are paramount. The Team Boxing League offers a revolutio…

Sponsored by Team Boxing League · Aug 17, 2026 · 5 min read

OverDrive Puts the Gamer-Athlete at the Center of Performance Fuel
Nutrition Science

OverDrive Puts the Gamer-Athlete at the Center of Performance Fuel

In the high-stakes, high-focus world of competitive gaming, the line between athlete and gamer has vanished. Recognizing this evolution, OverDrive produces performance fuel supplements specifically designed for the uniqu…

Sponsored by OverDrive · Aug 3, 2026 · 5 min read

Wear Fullone Motorsports Racing Shirts From Track Days to Everyday Plans
Gear & Tech

Wear Fullone Motorsports Racing Shirts From Track Days to Everyday Plans

For motorsport enthusiasts, the connection to a team goes far beyond the finish line. Fullone Motorsports , a competitive race team, extends that connection through a dynamic collection of apparel designed for dedicated …

Sponsored by Fullone Motorsports · Aug 3, 2026 · 6 min read

UNC football player Jon Heck demonstrating dedication and resilience during a rigorous training session, highlighting his successful athlete development.
Strength & Conditioning

Jon Heck's Longevity Highlights UNC Athlete Development Success

Jon Heck, a UNC football player, made an impressive 50 career starts, a testament to his enduring presence on the field.

Aug 2, 2026 · 3 min read

3 Reasons El Sueño Baseball Is Worth a Closer Look for Young Athletes
Athlete Spotlight

3 Reasons El Sueño Baseball Is Worth a Closer Look for Young Athletes

In the competitive landscape of youth sports, finding the right coaching can make all the difference. With baseball being the third most popular sport for young people in the USA, boasting an 18% participation rate among…

Sponsored by El Sueño Baseball · Jul 24, 2026 · 4 min read

Still Losing Your Towel? How the Aiming Fluid Golf Magna-Anchor™ Ends That Frustration for Good
Gear & Tech

Still Losing Your Towel? How the Aiming Fluid Golf Magna-Anchor™ Ends That Frustration for Good

Discover how the Aiming Fluid Golf Magna-Anchor™ system solves the common frustration of losing golf towels, offering a superior magnetic design and a comprehensive club cleaning routine. This innovative towel ensures your cleaning tool stays attached, cleans effectively, and supports your game.

Sponsored by Aiming Fluid Golf · Jul 15, 2026 · 8 min read

Split image comparing a weightlifter increasing weight with one increasing repetitions, illustrating progressive overload principles for muscle growth.
Hypertrophy Hub

Progressive Overload: Reps as Effective as Weight for Growth

A 2025 study from A. Barsuhn found no significant difference in 1RM strength gains or muscle cross-sectional area increases between lifters who progressively increased weight and those who progressive

Jul 14, 2026 · 5 min read

How UIAR Helps College Coaches Review Student-Athletes With Better Context
Athlete Spotlight

How UIAR Helps College Coaches Review Student-Athletes With Better Context

UIAR gives college coaches and student-athletes a recruiting environment built around fuller context. The platform helps athletes create verified profiles, organize athletic and academic information, and connect with coaches.

Sponsored · Jul 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Pillowsonic Symphony Review 2026: Is This Under-Pillow Speaker Worth $69.99?
Gear & Tech

Pillowsonic Symphony Review 2026: Is This Under-Pillow Speaker Worth $69.99?

The Pillowsonic Symphony is a specialized under-pillow speaker designed to provide a private, therapeutic, and comfortable bedtime audio experience without the discomfort of headphones or earbuds. This review examines if its $69.99 price is justified by features like a built-in digital player and dual connectivity.

Sponsored · Jul 2, 2026 · 6 min read

Bodybuilder Nick Walker showcasing his powerful physique on stage after winning the 2024 New York Pro, with eyes set on future Mr. Olympia titles.
Hypertrophy Hub

Nick Walker Eyes 2026 Mr. Olympia Amidst Rapid Ascent

Fresh off his victory at the 2024 New York Pro, Nick Walker, who previously secured 3rd place at the 2022 Mr.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Country music star Trey Lewis after a cold plunge and workout, showcasing his 100-pound weight loss transformation and dedication to fitness.
Strength & Conditioning

Trey Lewis's 100-pound weight loss comeback: cold plunges & workouts

Country music star Trey Lewis has not only lost over 100 pounds twice but attributes his remarkable physical transformations to daily 6 a.

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

A fit person performing hanging leg raises with perfect form, demonstrating intense core activation for achieving six-pack abs.
Strength & Conditioning

Master the Hanging Leg Raise for Six-Pack Abs

The hanging leg raise, when executed with precision, can generate over 130% maximum voluntary contraction in your rectus abdominis, according to Verywellfit .

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

A comparative image showing a lean pork meal and a plant-based meal, highlighting the difference in their potential for muscle protein synthesis.
Hypertrophy Hub

Lean pork outperforms plant-based meals for building muscle

A post-workout meal of 20 grams of lean pork significantly outperformed both a plant-based meal and an amino acid shake in stimulating muscle-protein synthesis, according to new research.

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

Illustration of a human brain with glowing neural pathways next to a scale showing a 7.8% weight loss, symbolizing the effects of intermittent fasting.
Strength & Conditioning

Intermittent fasting rewires brains, boosting weight loss by 7.8%

Magnetic imaging has revealed that intermittent fasting can rewire brain regions associated with appetite, emotion, and reward, fundamentally changing how participants relate to food.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action during a World Cup match, preparing to score against Uzbekistan at NRG Stadium.
Strength & Conditioning

Ronaldo Aims to End World Cup Goal Drought Against Uzbekistan

Despite Opta's supercomputer giving Portugal an 80.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Actor David Charvet and his son Shaya sharing a moment of pride and connection while engaged in a fitness routine they co-created, called BUILD.
Strength & Conditioning

David Charvet finds Father's Day rewarding through BUILD

Actor David Charvet's greatest Father's Day reward now stems from a fitness concept he co-created.

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read